Editor – Senior Editor

Center for a New American Security (CNAS)

. Top-edit and line-edit reports, analysis, and commentary from the AI Policy Lab .

Posted 11/10/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $80,000 - $165,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates exceptional structural and narrative editing skills, with a strong ability to anticipate news and policy trends. Proven experience in mentoring writing talent and managing multiple projects in fast-paced environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Editorial ExperienceStructural Editing SkillsNarrative Editing SkillsMentoring Writing TalentFamiliarity With Chicago Manual Of Style

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

EditingCopyeditingReport WritingResearch AnalysisPolicy Analysis

Soft Skills

CollaborationTime ManagementIndependent WorkAdaptability

Industry Keywords

AI PolicyNational SecurityThink TankAcademic InstitutionStart-Up Environment

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Top-edit and line-edit reports, analysis, and commentary from the AI Policy Lab
Work with leading AI policy experts to strengthen writing structure, clarity, arguments, and policy impact
Maintain CNAS editorial standards
Collaborate with research leads and contributors to shape approaches to research reports and analysis
Help set proactive and reactive editorial agendas with research leads
Work with an AI specialist to automate baseline copyediting functions where appropriate
Help develop the AI Policy Lab’s editorial standards, workflows, and outputs
Support invoice management and work with external editors and contractors
Coordinate assignments and deadlines with external contractors
Coordinate with the Communications team to lay out and produce online products
Review credits and sources for visual material, including photos and graphics
Report to the Vice President of Strategy and Communications

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area of study
6–8+ years of editorial experience at a magazine, journal, academic institution, think tank, publisher, online outlet, or newspaper
Exceptional structural and narrative editing skills
Ability and experience anticipating news and wider policy trends
Experience mentoring and developing writing talent
Ability to work independently or as part of a small team with a start-up ethos
Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects at once and balance competing deadlines and shifting priorities
Experience with, or willingness to learn, the Chicago Manual of Style
Interest in contributing to cutting-edge research on AI and national security
Legal right to work in the United States
Preferred: Experience editing or writing about AI, technology, or STEM
Preferred: Experience in start-up or small-team environments
Preferred: Policy background and familiarity with the policy environment
Cover letter and resume or CV required
Writing and/or editing samples and references may be requested
Timed practical exercise required for candidates advancing in the process

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Life and AD&D insurance
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Flexible spending accounts
403(b) retirement accounts
Transportation subsidies
Employee assistance program
Mix of remote and in-person work
Two-year, term-limited appointment